Pierre Gasly "surprised" he wasn't considered by Red Bull for 2021

AlphaTauri

Gasly "surprised" he wasn't considered by Red Bull for 2021

French driver is to remain with AlphaTauri for next season

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Friday 30 October 2020 15:41 Updated: 15:51

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly has expressed his surprise at not being considered for the second Red Bull seat for 2021 but insisted he was "not disappointed" to continue with the sister team.

The prospect of Gasly returning to Red Bull just a year and a half after his demotion had increased following a blistering season that has yielded a victory and multiple top-five finishes.

With Alex Albon's position as Max Verstappen's team-mate hanging precariously in the balance, Gasly conceded he thought his performances warranted at least entering discussions with the senior team.

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"I am not disappointed, I am just surprised," he said. "Seb [Vettel] won a race with Toro Rosso, the only other to win a race [with the team] and got promoted to Red Bull and won four titles with the team.

"I must say, I was really surprised I wasn't considered. I have two podiums with Toro Rosso. I think this season is going alright. The only thing I can do is try and put in some strong performances to try and get some opportunities in the future.

"That's the only thing I can do after everything is sorted. I don't really want to think about this anymore. I just want to perform as well as I can for AlphaTauri, I am happy to be here."

Gasly was replaced by Albon in the wake of a difficult start to the 2019 season, where he regularly floundered compared to Verstappen, similar to Albon's difficulties this term.

Whilst the Frenchman claims to be excited to be remaining with AlphaTauri, he explained he was not afforded an explanation by Red Bull's hierarchy as to why he was not considered.

"They have a strategy," he added. "If you want the answer, it is better to go straight to them but it was pretty clear to me for quite a while that I would continue with this team and as I say, I am not disappointed.

"I think we are performing on a great level and they will keep showing my potential, they will keep showing my speed and skills, and I am 24 years old.

"My goal in Formula 1 is to fight at the top and fight for a championship but at the moment I just need to perform and do the best job I can in the team I am at.

"I am not disappointed, I am excited to keep my car for another year and do my very best for this team."

Before you go...

Perez confirms Red Bull is an option - but won't be Verstappen's wingman

Raikkonen - It 'wasn't difficult' to prolong F1 stay